Living in a small east Lane County community, I care deeply about whether our county commissioner understands that rural Lane County is more than scenery outside Eugene. We face real challenges with healthcare, housing, emergency response, economic opportunity and wildfire recovery. Those issues require someone who understands our communities and shows up for them.

As a Westfir resident, I am particularly concerned about the proposed gravel mine at TV Butte near Oakridge. I am also paying close attention to who is financing the candidates seeking to represent us.

Ed King, who is seeking county approval for the proposed gravel mine, is one of Jake Pelroy’s significant campaign supporters. That does not establish improper coordination, but the relationship raises legitimate questions for me about independence and whose interests will have a voice when decisions affecting Oakridge, Westfir and other small communities come before the board.

Pelroy’s campaign emphasizes reducing taxes and regulation, expanding law enforcement, increasing timber production and making it easier to develop private land. Those are legitimate policy positions, but rural Lane County’s needs are broader than timber production and law enforcement.

Heather Buch’s record includes work on wildfire recovery and securing resources for communities affected by the Holiday Farm Fire. Buch also helped bring the South Lane Clinic plan to fruition. Those are exactly the kinds of issues that matter where I live.

East Lane County residents should look closely at both candidates’ records, priorities and financial supporters. For those of us who live in these small communities, decisions about our forests, water, healthcare, housing and economic future aren’t abstract policy debates. They affect the places we call home.

Laura Vinson
Westfir